Violations; investigation; enforcement of act.

This commission shall inquire into any neglect or violation of the laws of this state by any such common carrier hereinbefore defined doing business therein, or by its officers, agents or employes thereof, and shall have the power and it shall be its duty to enforce the provisions of this act as well as all other laws relating to common carriers and report all violations thereof to the attorney general. Upon the request of the commission it shall be the duty of the attorney general, or the prosecuting attorney of the proper county, to aid in any investigation, prosecution, hearing or trial had under the provisions of this act, and to institute and prosecute all necessary actions or proceedings for the enforcement of this act and of all other laws of this state relating to common carriers, and for the punishment of all violations thereof. Any forfeiture and penalty herein provided shall be paid to the state treasurer and shall be recovered and suit therefor shall be brought in the name of the state of Michigan in the circuit court of any county having jurisdiction of the defendants. The attorney general of Michigan, or any prosecuting attorney selected by the said commission in any county where such action is pending, shall be the counsel in any proceeding, investigation, hearing or trial prosecuted or defended by the commission.